An all out pre-show campaign helped the recent International Optic Fair in Tokyo (IOFT) achieve a record number of visitors at the Tokyo Big Sight complex. More than 15,500 buyers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, importers and other optical industry professionals attended the three-day event organized by the Japan Medical-Optical Equipment Association, the Fukui Optical Association and Reed Exhibitions-Japan. Domestic exhibitors numbered 290, with an additional 157 international exhibitors showcasing new products and technology.


For the 19th year, show organizers honored celebrities, famous for their eyewear and sunwear, including well-known Japanese actors, athletes, authors and politicians (at right), at the Japan Best-Dressed Eyes Award ceremony. In addition, the 2007 Eyewear of the Year Awards—a contest among 230 entrants—took place with honors presented in such categories as men’s, women’s, sporty casual, trendy and function and technology.

— Jackie Micucci